The Tasmania JackJumpers will looking for a much improved performance after a disappointing home loss to the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Christmas Day. Meanwhile, the Breakers have an almost full strength team behind them and are currently on a three game winning streak.
Tasmania however are dealing with injuries to bigs Majok Deng and Will Magnay, who both lead the JackJumpers second unit. Deng will miss at least 4 weeks with an ankle injury, while Magnay has been ruled out for this match with a leg injury, both injuries sustained on the Christmas Day game.
New Zealand will be looking to make the most of a smaller JackJumpers lineup, with Zion Cheatham looking to continue his great form at the Center position after coming back from injury last round.
Despite their injury issues, Breakers coach Mody Moar is wary of Tasmania, regardless of who is available.
“As good of a team as it gets, extremely well coached potent offensively, disruptive defensively, they pose a great challenge,” he said last week.
Meanwhile JackJumpers Assistant Coach Jack Fleming is aware of the depth the Breakers posses “Cheatham and Lamb are just the tip of the iceberg for them, their talent depth is really strong and with a clean bill of heath from what I understand, they will be dangerous”.
Tasmania JackJumpers (10-8) vs New Zealand Breakers (7-9)
Monday 1 January 2024 4PM AEDT
MyState Bank Arena, Hobart
History
The season series so far is split at 1-1, with the away teams picking up both victories so far. Tasmania last month put in a dominant performance to defeat the Breakers 97-80 for their first ever victory in Auckland. Prior to that in Round 8, a 20 point opening half from Anthony Lamb saw the Breakers defeat Tasmania in Launceston 97-92.
The Breakers are yet to defeat the JackJumpers at MyState Bank Arena, going 0-6 across the last 3 seasons.
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Milton Doyle
After taking time away from the team last month following the sad passing of his father, Milton Doyle has rejoined the team and working his way back into the rotation.
With his game trending upwards, Doyle will once again take on a large part of the offensive load, as he looks to fill the 18 points per game they lose from Magnay and Deng’s injuries.
Zion Cheatham
Although he hasn’t put up huge numbers, Cheatham’s size and presence changes the Breakers playing group at both ends of the floor.
His return from injury was felt in their last game in Brisbane. When scores were tied in the final 3 minutes, Cheatham had 6 points and was responsible for a number of defensive stops to lead his team to an away win.
With Will Magnay missing through injury, his matchup with Marcus Lee will be crucial to the outcome of the match. Lee has struggled with committing early fouls throughout the season, so don’t be surprised to see the Breakers throw the ball down to Cheatham in the post to draw early fouls on Lee
Roster availability
Tasmania
Majok Deng – ankle (Round 17)
Will Magnay – leg (TBC)
New Zealand
Finn Delany – calf (TBC)
Justinian Jessup – pelvis (February)